Compartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two different substances

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a compartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two different substances. The compartmentalized storage system comprises a first storing compartment, with an optional a tearable seal, containing a solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and a first substance. The compartmentalized storage system further comprises a second storing compartment having a second substance. The first and the second compartments are attached to each other by at least one common side, which common side comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the second compartments. By applying force to the frangible seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the second substance in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the solid sorbing substrate and the first substance in the first storing compartment.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/002,972, filed 26 Oct. 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a compartmentalized storage systemfor temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two differentsubstances. The compartmentalized storage system comprises a firststoring compartment having a front and a back, and a plurality of sides,defining a first cavity portion. The first storing compartment mayoptionally include a tearable seal. A solid sorbing substrate, such as awipe, and a first substance are stored in the first storing compartment.The compartmentalized storage system further comprises a second storingcompartment having a front and a back and a plurality of sides, defininga second cavity portion. A second substance is stored in the secondstoring compartment. The first and the second compartments are attachedto each other by at least one common side, which common side comprises afrangible seal connecting the first and the second compartments. Byapplying force to the frangible seal, the seal will break and therebyallow the second substance in the second storing compartment to be mixedwith the solid sorbing substrate and the first substance in the firststoring compartment. The present invention is also directed to acompartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing andsubsequently mixing at least two different edible substances. Thepresent invention is further directed to methods for using thecompartmentalized storage systems to temporarily store and subsequentlymix at least two different substances.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

Various forms of impregnated nonwoven fabrics are available forperforming a wide variety of tasks such as cleaning hands and otherareas of the body, cleaning hard surfaces, and delivering active agentsto various surfaces. Such fabrics are marketed as wipes and are readyfor use either in individual packet form or in bulk form in suitabledispensers from which the individual wipes can be withdrawn as needed.Compartmented containers, with or without wipes, are known in the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,754 (Julius) discloses a disposable moistureimpermeable limp-pack package for containing and dispensing moistureimpregnated towelettes. The package comprises a thin sheet of limp-packflexible material having an opening which is hermetically sealeddefining a container completely enclosing the towelettes. A cap for theopening in the flexible material provides a moisture impermeableresealable closure for accessing and removing the towelettes containedin the package. The cap includes a resealable cap, a hinge, and acircumferential collar. The hinge attaches the cap to thecircumferential collar. The collar is mounted on the thin sheet offlexible material at the opening to provide a moisture impermeable seal.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,731 (Bora, Jr.) discloses a disposable dental wipefor dental hygiene adapted to be wrapped around a finger for bettersensitivity and pressure control against the teeth and gums. Thedisposable dental wipe comprises a flexible honeycombed flat sheet ofsoft foam material having outer and inner faces and formed of a flexibleresilient material. Bristles integral with the material extend outwardlyfrom the outer face of the sheet. A stripe of contact adhesive ismounted on the sheet for securing the material when it is wrapped arounda finger. The sheet is impregnated with a dentifrice which flows throughthe sheet upon application of pressure with the finger against the teethand gums. The disposable dental wipe may be wrapped around a finger andmay be directed and pressed by the finger in between teeth, in back of arow of teeth, and against gums and teeth with finger sensitivity toprovide a positive wiping force.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,855 (Harrison) discloses a moist towelette dispenserpackage containing a supply of moist towelettes in a continuous zigzagfolded web and separated by perforations. The package comprises anenvelope having a towelette holding portion and a closure flap portionseparated from one another by a transverse fold line. The envelope isformed from an upper and a lower sheet of flexible, moisture-imperviousmaterial. The sheets are of the same overall outer dimensions and sealedto one another around the outer edges. The upper sheet has an adhesivearea and a dispensing opening positioned on the flap portion. Thedispensing opening and adhesive area are located equidistant from thefold line so that when the flap portion is folded over the toweletteholding portion along the fold line, the opening is completely sealed bythe adhesive area against the towelette holding portion. Theperforations in the folded web provide for separation of each towelettefrom the supply so that, on withdrawal and separation of each towelette,the end of the next towelette in the web is left entirely within theenvelope package.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,937 (Bouchette) discloses an antimicrobially active,non-woven web comprising bonded fibers, a binder distributed on thefibers, and an antimicrobial agent distributed on the fibers. Theantimicrobial agent is substantive to the fibers and to the binder whenthe web is either wet or dry to prevent the antimicrobial agent fromdiffusing from the fibers or the binder.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,768 (Anderson) discloses a presaturated wipe productfor applying an active disinfectant solution to a work surface. The wipeproduct comprises a first layer of packaging material, a second layer ofpackaging material, a pad secured to the second layer, and a diluteglutaraldehyde solution impregnated in the pad for providingdisinfecting activity to the pad. The first layer and the second layerare heat sealed to each other to form a sealed envelope for maintainingthe presaturated pad. The presaturated pad is irradiated after the firstand second layers are heat sealed so that the envelopes maintaindisinfecting activity for the glutaraldehyde over an extended period oftime.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,524 (Yoh) discloses a porous sheet impregnated withan aqueous lotion comprising a hydrophobic functional ingrediententrapped in polymeric beads. The entrapped ingredient is concentratednear the surface of the sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,996 (Corey et al.) discloses a moistened, fibrousflexible nonwoven sheet material. The nonwoven sheet material consistsessentially of cellulosic fibers impregnated with an aqueous compositioncomprising a zinc acetate peroxide complex and from 0.1% to 1.0% byweight of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a 1:1mixture by weight of N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride andN-alkyl dimethylethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; N-alkylbenzene sulfonatessodium salt, wherein alkyl has an average of 11 carbon atoms;cocoamphocarboxypropionate; and lauryl diethanolamine oxide.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,581 (Smith et al.) discloses a method for applyingdermatological agents to the skin from a single dispensing andapplicator system. The method comprises providing a dispensing andapplicator system having a flexible moisture impermeable support sheet.Applicator pads are affixed in a separated array to one surface of thesupport sheet. Each of the pads is impregnated with a compositioncomprising a different dermatological agent. The support sheet and padsare folded to enclose the pads. The opposing peripheral surfaces of thesupport sheet are sealed together to form a compartment containing thepads and are defined by a continuous peripheral seal. The peripheralseal is positioned inward from the edges of the sheets over a portion ofthe opposed peripheral surfaces to form two opposed flanges. Theopposing surfaces of the support sheet are together between each of thepads to divide the compartment into subcompartiments each containing oneof the pads. The flanges are manually grasped and separated to partiallyseparate the two opposed surfaces of the support sheet so that the padsare exposed. The pads are contacted with the skin to release thecompositions simultaneously from the pads to apply a film of a mixtureof the agents on the skin.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,532 (Wells) discloses a multilayer cleansing kit.The kit comprises a first absorbent layer, a second absorbent layerimpregnated with a cleaning solution, and an impermeable liner betweenthe first and second absorbent layers to prevent the cleaning solutionfrom passing from the second absorbent layer to the first absorbentlayer. The first and second absorbent layers and the impermeable linerare laminated together to form a unitary device. The first absorbentlayer extends beyond the second absorbent layer and the liner to form aflap can be folded relative to the kit.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,150 (Cercone) discloses an antimicrobial spongematerial composition having a visual indication of an antimicrobialactivity. The antimicrobial sponge material composition comprises ahydroxylated acetalized polyvinyl alcohol complexed with iodine andplasticized with a polyol. The sponge material composition has a yellowor gold colored surface and releases free iodine from the surface andchanges surface color from a yellow or gold color to a black color uponsurface contact with an aqueous fluid, thereby providing a visualindication that the antimicrobial activity of the sponge materialcomposition has been activated by releasing free iodine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,522 (Carmody) discloses a dental hygiene wipecomprising a flexible base substrate and an abrasive cleaning means. Theabrasive cleaning means coextensively covers an upper surface of theflexible base substrate for abrasively cleaning exterior surfaces andinterproximal areas of human teeth. The base substrate and the abrasivecleaning means are shaped so as to define intersecting linear edgeswhich define corners at intersections of the linear edges. The cornersare orthogonal corners which can be utilized as a pick to clean along ajuncture of two adjacent teeth to clean debris from the juncture. Theabrasive cleaning means has a flexible layer of material secured to thebase substrate shaped to define raised quarter-spherical projections.The quarter-spherical projections extend in aligned rows and columnsbetween the linear edges of the flexible base substrate. Thequarter-spherical projections are shaped so as to define a semi-circularplanar outer surface and a quarter-spherical outer surface which definea quarter-spherical shape of the projections. The semi-circular planarouter surface of each of the projections is oriented to reside within aplane oriented orthogonally relative to a plane containing the basesubstrate such that the quarter-spherical injections provide both afirst degree of abrasion when moved in a first direction. Thesemi-circular planar outer surface of each of the projections leadsmotion of the abrasive cleaning means across a tooth, and a seconddegree of abrasion when moved in a second direction. The semi-circularplanar outer surface of each of the projections follows the motion ofthe abrasive cleaning means across a tooth. The first degree of abrasionis greater than the second degree of abrasion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,465 (Niki et al.) discloses a moist wipe packagecomprising moist wipes and a storing body in which the moist wipes arestored. The storing body is provided with an outlet opening throughwhich the moist wipes are withdrawn. The outlet opening is covered withan opening- and closing-cover label detachably attached to the storingbody. The storing body has a rectangular parallel-equipped body formedfrom a square sleeve shaped packing material having open opposite ends.The outlet opening is formed in one surface of the packing material.Opposing side edge portions of the one surface and/or opposing side edgeportions of a surface opposite the one surface are made rigid so thatthey exhibit self-supporting properties. The one and the oppositesurface are sealed together at the open opposite ends to form sealedopposite ends. The sealed opposite ends are fixed so that the onesurface and the opposite surface form opposing two end faces of therectangular parallelepiped body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,080 (Hendren) discloses a towel structure comprisinga towel formed in a first sleeve structure having a first absorbencyrelative to water and having first and second ends. A wipe is formed asa second sleeve structure having a second absorbency different from thefirst absorbency and is encompassed by the towel. A film is interposedbetween the towel and the wipe to inhibit transfer of the water from thetowel to the wipe. A fastener fastens the towel, the wipe, and the filmtogether.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,245 (Alt) discloses a sterile package forcontainment of a device to be inserted or implanted into the body of apatient and thereby in contact with blood and tissue of the body in asurgical or medical treatment procedure. The package comprises acontainer, the device enclosed within the container to maintain thesterility of the device during shipping, storage and handling of thepackage prior to opening the container and at least one swab impregnatedwith a solution of H₂O₂. The swab is packaged in a separate sterile packincorporated in the sterile package and containing an adequateconcentration of H₂O₂ in solution expressly for sterilizing the deviceupon wiping down the device with the swab after removal of both thedevice and the swab from the container prior to commencing the treatmentprocedure. A further swab is packaged in an additional sterile packincorporated in the sterile package and impregnated with a solutioncontaining a neutralizing agent expressly for use in wiping down thedevice after the wipe down with the first-mentioned swab to neutralizethe H₂O₂ before placing the device in contact with blood and tissue ofthe body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,763 (Luu et al.) discloses a substrate such as awipe treated with a nongreasy lotion comprising an emollient and aretention/release agent. The lotion comprises a delta H above about 37°C. of about 10 calories/gram, a total heat of melting of above about 25calories/gram, and an onset of melting temperature at least about 30° C.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,856 (Trinh et al.) discloses an odor absorbing wipecomprising a composition having from about 0.1% to about 5% ofsolubilized, water-soluble uncomplexed cyclodextrin, from about 0.01% toabout 1% of low molecular weight polyols, and an aqueous carrier. Thecomposition is deposited on a wipe which has a flexible dispensingmeans.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,013 (Palumbo et al.) discloses a pack having a bodyportion formed of flexible sheet material and defining an articlereceiving cavity. The body portion comprises a first end defined by anend wall and tapering to a second end spaced apart from the first end.The body portion comprises a face in which is defined a dispensingopening. A resealable sealing member is secured to the body portion and,in a closing position, covers the opening in sealing contact with thebody portion around the periphery of the opening. A plurality ofsheet-form articles is disposed within the cavity in the form of aflattenable roll, with one end of the roll being capable of extendingthrough the opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,214 (Lucas et al.) discloses a method of controllingenvironmental malodors on skin. The method comprises applying to skin acomposition comprising from about 0.1% to about 5% of solubilized,water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin; an aqueous carrier; from about0.1% to about 36% of an oil phase selected from the group consisting ofemollients, moisturizers, and skin protectants; a surfactant; and fromabout 0.004% to about 2% of a hydrophilic, volatile perfume composition.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,138 (Soughan) discloses a toiletry roll suitable tobe mounted on the spindle of a dispenser. The roll comprises envelopesformed of flexible polymeric moisture-resistant film material andarrayed end-to-end to form a train of envelopes each having a radiallyinner wall, a radially outer wall, and a closure flap. The closure flapof each envelope is affixed to and extends from one of the walls of theenvelope and is folded inwardly to envelope-closing position over andonto the exterior side of the other of the walls of the envelope. Thetrain is wound on itself to form the roll. The closure flaps are held inenvelope-closing position by the wound configuration of the roll. Eachclosure flap is, upon separation of its associated envelope from theroll, either opening incident to the separation or being readilyopenable by thumbing with-out peeling, tearing or unzipping eachenvelope containing at least one removable flushable wipe moistened withat least one skin-treating agent comprising skin cleaner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,264 (Koptis) discloses a container and applicatorcombination. The combination comprises a container having top and bottomsurfaces and first and second ends. The top and bottom surfaces have alength and width dimension defining a surface area sufficient in size toreceive the thumb of a hand. The container may be gripped between thethumb and finger of a hand. The length and width dimension are greaterthan the thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces todefine a relatively thin appearance. The container includes a dispensingoutlet located at the second end. An applicator is attached to thecontainer to define a unitary one-piece structure. The applicatorcomprises first and second wings, each of the wings being integrallyattached to and extending outwardly from the second end of the containerand being capable of being spread apart pivotally in opposite directionsover a wide arc. The first wing is located to one side of the dispensingoutlet and the second wing is located to an opposite side of thedispensing outlet. The first wing defines an applicator surface on anunderside surface and the second wing defines an applicator surface onan upperside surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,018 (Amundson et al.) discloses a multilayer wetwipe. The wipe comprises from about 150 to about 600% of a liquid basedon the dry weight of the wipe; a first nonwoven outer layer defining afirst exterior surface of the wet wipe; a second nonwoven outer layerpositioned with the first outer layer to define a second exteriorsurface of the wet wipe; and a nonwoven inner layer positioned betweenthe first outer layer and the second outer layer. The outer layerscomprise a first polymeric fiber comprising at least about 35% of theouter layers and a natural fiber comprising at least about 50% of theouter layers. The inner layer comprises a second polymeric fiber whereinthe first and second polymeric fibers comprises different polymericmaterials.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,809 (Skiba et al.) discloses a patient bathingsystem. The system comprises a sealed, flexible outer package, a meansfor gaining access to the interior of the outer package, and a washclothfor body cleansing disposed within the outer package. The washclothcomprises a blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers,with the quantity by weight of the first fibers being greater than thequantity by weight of the second fibers, and the blended cloth having anabsorbency much greater by weight than the weight of the blended cloth,and a cleansing solution impregnating the blended cloth. The cleansingsolution is distributed throughout the blended cloth and generallynon-migratory unless disturbed such that the cleaning solution isreleased from the blended cloth, with the quantity of the cleansingsolution being far less than the absorbency of the blended cloth U.S.Pat. No. Des. 396,596 (Simon) discloses a personal care textile articlewith a label. The ornamental design for a personal care textile articlewith label is as shown and described in the FIGS. 1-19.

As set out above, many types of compartmentalized storage systems areknown. However, these storage systems have not been suitable totemporarily store and subsequently mix at least two differentsubstances, especially non-compatible substances. The present inventionprovides such compartmentalized storage systems to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different substances.

IN THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a compartmentalized storagesystem to temporarily store and subsequently mix at least two differentsubstances in accord with the present invention. In this embodiment, thefirst and the second compartments are attached to each other by onecommon side.

FIG. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of a compartmentalized storagesystem to temporarily store and subsequently mix at least two differentsubstances in accord with the present invention. In this embodiment, thefirst and the second compartments are attached to each other by twocommon sides.

FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of a compartmentalized storagesystem to temporarily store and subsequently mix at least two differentedible substances in accord with the present invention. In thisembodiment, the tearable seal and the frangible seal are locatedadjacent to each other such that pressure to open the tearable seal willbreak the frangible seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a compartmentalized storage systemfor temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two differentsubstances comprising:

-   -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back and a        plurality of sides, defining a first cavity portion, wherein a        solid sorbing substrate and a first substance are stored in the        first storing compartment; and    -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back and a        plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion, wherein a        second substance is stored in the second storing compartment;        wherein the first and the second compartments are attached to        each other by at least one common side, which common side        comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the second        compartments, whereby upon by applying force to the frangible        seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the second substance        in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the solid        sorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and the first substance in        the first storing compartment.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a compartmentalizedstorage system for temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at leasttwo different edible substances comprising:

-   -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a        plurality of sides, defining a first cavity portion, wherein a        first edible substance is stored in the first storing        compartment; and    -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back and a        plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion, wherein a        second edible substance is stored in the second storing        compartment;        wherein the first and the second compartments are attached to        each other by at least one common side, which common side        comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the second        compartments, whereby upon by applying force to the frangible        seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the second edible        substance in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the        first edible substance in the first storing compartment.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method forusing a compartmentalized storage system to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different substances comprising the stepsof:

-   -   (A) providing a compartmentalized storage system comprising:        -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a            plurality of sides, defining a first cavity portion, wherein            a solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and a first            substance are stored in the first storing compartment; and        -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back            and a plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion,            wherein a second substance is stored in the second storing            compartment;            wherein the first and the second compartments are attached            to each other by at least one common side, which common side            comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the            second compartments, whereby upon by applying force to the            frangible seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the            second substance in the second storing compartment to be            mixed with the solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and            the first substance in the first storing compartment;    -   (B) applying force to the frangible seal to break the seal and        thereby allow the second substance in the second storing        compartment to be mixed with the solid sorbing substrate, such        as a wipe, and the first substance in the first storing        compartment;    -   (C) applying force to the tearable seal to break the seal; and    -   (D) removing the solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe,, mixed        with the first substance and the second substance, through the        broken tearable seal in the first storing compartment.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method forusing a compartmentalized storage system to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different edible substances comprising thesteps of:

-   -   (A) providing a compartmentalized storage system for temporarily        storing and subsequently mixing at least two different edible        substances comprising:        -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a            plurality of sides, defining a first cavity portion, wherein            a first edible substance is stored in the first storing            compartment; and        -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back            and a plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion,            wherein a second edible substance is stored in the second            storing compartment; wherein the first and the second            compartments are attached to each other by at least one            common side, which common side comprises a frangible seal            connecting the first and the second compartments, whereby            upon by applying force to the frangible seal, the seal will            break and thereby allow the second edible substance in the            second storing compartment to be mixed with the first edible            substance in the first storing compartment;    -   (B) applying force to the frangible seal to break the seal and        thereby allow the second edible substance in the second storing        compartment to be mixed with the first edible substance in the        first storing compartment;    -   (C) applying force to the tearable seal to break the seal; and    -   (D) removing the first edible substance mixed with the second        edible substance through the broken tearable seal in the first        storing compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a compartmentalized storage systemfor temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two differentsubstances such as in household and personal care product applications.In one embodiment, the compartmentalized storage system comprises afirst storing compartment having a front and a back, a plurality ofsides, and optionally a tearable seal. A solid sorbing substrate, suchas a wipe, and a first substance are stored in the first storingcompartment. The compartmentalized storage system further comprises asecond storing compartment having a front and a back and a plurality ofsides. A second substance is stored in the second storing compartment.The first and the second compartments are attached to each other by atleast one common side, which common side comprises a frangible sealconnecting the first and the second compartments. Upon by applying forceto the frangible seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the secondsubstance in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the solidsorbing substrate and the first substance in the first storingcompartment.

In a preferred embodiment, a tearable seal and the frangible seal arelocated adjacent to each other such that pressure to open the tearableseal will break the frangible seal and thereby allow the secondsubstance in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the solidsorbing substrate and the first substance in the first storingcompartment in one step. The consumer then removes the solid sorbingsubstrate, mixed with the first substance and the second substance,through the broken tearable seal in the first storing compartment.

The compartmentalized storage system is preferably flexible, and thefirst and second storing compartments may be substantially rectangular.In one embodiment, the first and the second compartments are attached toeach other by one common side. In another embodiment, the first and thesecond compartments are attached to each other by two common sides. Inyet another embodiment, the first and the second compartments areattached to each other by more than two common sides. In a preferredembodiment, the tearable seal and the frangible seal are locatedadjacent to each other such that pressure to open the tearable seal willbreak the frangible seal. The first substance may be liquid, or may besolid. The second substance may be liquid or may be gaseous. Preferably,the first and second substances are substantially non-compatible. In oneembodiment, the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes an exothermic orendothermic reaction. In another embodiment, the first and secondsubstances are substantially non-compatible such that mixing thesubstances causes a foaming reaction. In another embodiment, the firstand second substances are substantially non-compatible such that mixingthe substances causes a color changing reaction. For examples, dye basedindicator systems that change color after a specific usage period may beprepared. In another embodiment, the first and second substances aresubstantially non-compatible such that mixing the substances causes afragrance or flavor changing reaction. In another embodiment, one of thefirst or second substances is a fragrance and the other of the first orsecond substances is a bleach. The compartmentalized storage system fortemporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least two differentsubstances may be used to prepapre a personal care wipe that contains awipe on one side and an activating solution on the other side that canbe used for cleaning, moisturizing, or other personal uses.

The present invention is also directed to a compartmentalized storagesystem for temporarily storing and subsequently mixing at least twodifferent edible substances such as in food product applications. Inthis embodiment, the compartmentalized storage system comprises a firststoring compartment having a front and a back, a plurality of sides, andoptionally a tearable seal. A first edible substance is stored in thefirst storing compartment. The compartmentalized storage system furthercomprises a second storing compartment having a front and a back and aplurality of sides. A second edible substance is stored in the secondstoring compartment. The first and the second compartments are attachedto each other by at least one common side, which common side comprises afrangible seal connecting the first and the second compartments. Uponapplying force to the frangible seal, the seal will break and therebyallow the second edible substance in the second storing compartment tobe mixed with the first edible substance in the first storingcompartment.

In a preferred embodiment, the first edible substance is an oil phaseand the second edible substances is an aqueous phase such as forpreparing a salad dressing or a sauce. In another preferred embodiment,the first edible substance is milk and the second edible substances isdry cereal.

The compartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing andsubsequently mixing two different edible substances may be employed tomaintain two foods separately that can then be combined at the time ofusage by breaking the frangible seal separating the compartments.Applications include salad dressings (oil and water phases), cereals(milk and dry cereal), sauces (spices and liquids), soups (water and drymaterials), and many other edible products. The advantage to thecompartmentalized storage system is that the freshness of the materialscan be maintained by the physical separation between the components.This separation can have a positive effect on the taste of the food.Often with prepared foods, the character of the food is uniform becauseof the long term association of all of the components. By maintaining aseparation between the different components until just prior to use, asin the present invention, an improved taste can be generated. Also aphysical separation between food components until just prior to use canimprove the nutritional stability of the food. This physical separationbetween food components can be particularly useful where long termstability is needed. This physical separation between food componentscan dramatically improve shelf life by allowing a rehydration of a driedfood. This physical separation between food components also allows thecombination of typically incompatible materials like spices, vinegar,etc. with the main body of the food at the time of use. The food mayalso undergo a physical transformation following the breaking of thefrangible seal. For example, the final food product could be a foamingproduct, such as a product which is the result of mixing a bicarbonatewith a weak acid such as acetic or citric acid.

The present invention is also directed to a method for using thecompartmentalized storage system of the present invention to temporarilystore and subsequently mix at least two different substances. The methodcomprises providing a compartmentalized storage system; applying forceto the frangible seal to break the seal and thereby allow the secondsubstance in the second storing compartment to be mixed with the solidsorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and the first substance in the firststoring compartment; applying force to the tearable seal to break theseal; and removing the solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe,, mixedwith the first substance and the second substance, through the brokentearable seal in the first storing compartment.

The present invention is also directed to a method for using acompartmentalized storage system of the present invention to temporarilystore and subsequently mix at least two different edible substances. Themethod comprises providing a compartmentalized storage system; applyingforce to the frangible seal to break the seal and thereby allow thesecond edible substance in the second storing compartment to be mixedwith the first edible substance in the first storing compartment;applying force to the tearable seal to break the seal; and removing thefirst edible substance mixed with the second edible substance throughthe broken tearable seal in the first storing compartment.

As set out above, the present invention is particularly useful when thefirst and second substances are substantially non-compatible.Substantially non-compatible means that the first and second substancesreact with each other. The exact amount of reaction permissable betweenthe first and second substance may vary depending upon the level ofreaction permissable or tolerable in the final product. In general, theamount of reaction permissable between the first and second substance isthe ordinary amount tolerable without interfering with the practical ororganoleptic properites of the final product. Such amounts of reactionare known to the skilled practitioner in the arts and are not a part ofthe present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of reactionpermissable between the first and second substance without interferingwith the organoleptic properites of the final product is an amount fromabout 1% to about 35%, preferably from about 3% to about 30%, and morepreferably from about 5% to about 25%. In a preferred embodiment, thetime period for reaction permissable between the first and secondsubstance permissable without interfering with the organolepticproperites of the final product is an amount from about 1 day to about12 months, preferably from about 1 week to about 10 months, and morepreferably from about 1 month to about 6 months.

The invention will be better understood from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with theFigures, in which like elements are represented by like referencednumerals.

In FIG. 1, a compartmentalized storage system to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different substances, in accord with thepresent invention, is depicted generally as 100 and constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Compartmentalized storage system 100 comprises a first storingcompartment first (110), having a front (111) and a back (112), aplurality of sides (113, 114, 115, 116), respectively, and a tearableseal (117), defining a first cavity portion. A wipe (120) and a firstsubstance (121) are stored in the first storing compartment (110).

Compartmentalized storage system 100 also comprises a second storingcompartment (130) having a front (131) and a back (132) and a pluralityof sides (133, 134, 135, 136), respectively, defining a second cavityportion. A second substance (140) is stored in the second storingcompartment (130).

The first (110) and the second (130) compartments are attached to eachother by at least one common side (113, 135), which common side (113,135) comprises a frangible seal (150) connecting the first (110) and thesecond compartments (130). By applying force to the frangible seal(150), the seal (150) will break and thereby allow the second substance(140) in the second storing compartment (130) to be mixed with the wipe(120) and the first substance (121) in the first storing compartment(110).

In FIG. 2, a compartmentalized storage system to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different substances, in accord with thepresent invention, is depicted generally as 200 and constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the first and the second compartments are attached to eachother by two common sides.

Compartmentalized storage system 200 comprises a first storingcompartment first (210), having a front (211) and a back (212), aplurality of sides (213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218), respectively, and atearable seal (219), defining a first cavity portion. A wipe (220) and afirst substance (221) are stored in the first storing compartment (210).

Compartmentalized storage system 200 also comprises a second storingcompartment (230) having a front (231) and a back (232) and a pluralityof sides (233, 234, 235, 236), respectively, defining a second cavityportion. A second substance (240) is stored in the second storingcompartment (230).

The first (210) and the second (230) compartments are attached to eachother by two common sides (216, 234 and 217, 233). One of the commonsides (216, 234) comprises a frangible seal (250) connecting the first(210) and the second compartments (230). By applying force to thefrangible seal (250), the seal (250) will break and thereby allow thesecond substance (240) in the second storing compartment (230) to bemixed with the wipe (220) and the first substance (221) in the firststoring compartment (210).

In FIG. 3, a compartmentalized storage system to temporarily store andsubsequently mix at least two different edible substances, in accordwith the present invention, is depicted generally as 300 and constructedin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the tearable seal and the frangible seal are locatedadjacent to each other such that pressure to open the tearable seal willbreak the frangible seal.

Compartmentalized storage system 300 comprises a first storingcompartment first (310), having a front (311) and a back (312), aplurality of sides (313, 314, 315, 316, 317), respectively, and atearable seal (318), defining a first cavity portion. A first ediblesubstance (320) is stored in the first storing compartment (310).

Compartmentalized storage system 300 also comprises a second storingcompartment (330) having a front (331) and a back (332) and a pluralityof sides (333, 334, 335), respectively, defining a second cavityportion. A second edible substance (340) is stored in the second storingcompartment (330).

The first (310) and the second (330) compartments are attached to eachother by at least one common side (315, 333), which common side (315,333) comprises a frangible seal (350) connecting the first (310) and thesecond compartments (330). By applying force to the frangible seal(350), the seal (350) will break and thereby allow the second ediblesubstance (340) in the second storing compartment (330) to be mixed withthe first edible substance (320) in the first storing compartment (310).

The following film specification was used to make the prototype samplesof the compartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing andsubsequently mixing at least two different substances of the presentinvention. The following type of packaging material may be used.Specification: Multi-laminated film comprising of a top layer of 50gauge PVDC coated PET, followed by a layer of 10 guage PE and a finallayer of 2 ml “SURLYN”, which material actually forms the “frangibleseal”.

The present invention also provides a method for using acompartmentalized storage system to temporarily store and subsequentlymix at least two different substances. The method comprises the stepsof:

-   -   (A) providing a compartmentalized storage system comprising:        -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a            plurality of sides, and a tearable seal, defining a first            cavity portion, wherein a solid sorbing substrate, such as a            wipe, and a first substance are stored in the first storing            compartment; and        -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back            and a plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion,            wherein a second substance is stored in the second storing            compartment;            wherein the first and the second compartments are attached            to each other by at least one common side, which common side            comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the            second compartments, whereby upon by applying force to the            frangible seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the            second substance in the second storing compartment to be            mixed with the solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe, and            the first substance in the first storing compartment;    -   (B) applying force to the frangible seal to break the seal and        thereby allow the second substance in the second storing        compartment to be mixed with the solid sorbing substrate, such        as a wipe, and the first substance in the first storing        compartment;    -   (C) applying force to the tearable seal to break the seal; and    -   (D) removing the solid sorbing substrate, such as a wipe,, mixed        with the first substance and the second substance, through the        broken tearable seal in the first storing compartment.

The present invention also provides a method for using acompartmentalized storage system to temporarily store and subsequentlymix at least two different edible substances comprising the steps of:

-   -   (A) providing a compartmentalized storage system for temporarily        storing and subsequently mixing at least two different edible        substances comprising:        -   (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a            plurality of sides, and a tearable seal, defining a first            cavity portion, wherein a first edible substance is stored            in the first storing compartment; and        -   (b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back            and a plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion,            wherein a second edible substance is stored in the second            storing compartment;            wherein the first and the second compartments are attached            to each other by at least one common side, which common side            comprises a frangible seal connecting the first and the            second compartments, whereby upon by applying force to the            frangible seal, the seal will break and thereby allow the            second edible substance in the second storing compartment to            be mixed with the first edible substance in the first            storing compartment;    -   (B) applying force to the frangible seal to break the seal and        thereby allow the second edible substance in the second storing        compartment to be mixed with the first edible substance in the        first storing compartment;    -   (C) applying force to the tearable seal to break the seal; and    -   (D) removing the first edible substance mixed with the second        edible substance through the broken tearable seal in the first        storing compartment.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A compartmentalized storage system for temporarilystoring and subsequently mixing at least two different edible substancescomprising: (a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, aplurality of sides, defining a first cavity portion, and a tearableseal, wherein a first edible substance is stored in the first storingcompartment; and (b) a second storing compartment having a front and aback and a plurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion, whereina second edible substance is stored in the second storing compartment;wherein the first and the second compartments are attached to each otherby at least one common side, which common side comprises a frangibleseal connecting the first and the second compartments, wherein thetearable seal and the frangible seal are located adjacent to each othersuch that pressure to open the tearable seal will break the frangibleseal and thereby allow the second edible substance in the second storingcompartment to be mixed with the first edible substance in the firststoring compartment.
 21. The compartmentalized storage system accordingto claim 19, wherein the first and second edible substances are bothliquid.
 22. The compartmentalized storage system according to claim 19,wherein the first edible substance is solid and the second ediblesubstance is liquid.
 23. The compartmentalized storage system accordingto claim 19, wherein the first edible substance is liquid or solid andthe second edible substance is gaseous.
 24. The compartmentalizedstorage system according to claim 19, wherein the first and secondedible substances are substantially non-compatible.
 25. Thecompartmentalized storage system according to claim 24, wherein thefirst and second edible substances are substantially non-compatible suchthat mixing the edible substances causes an exothermic or endothermicreaction.
 26. The compartmentalized storage system according to claim24, wherein the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes a foamingreaction.
 27. The compartmentalized storage system according to claim24, wherein the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes a color changingreaction.
 28. The compartmentalized storage system according to claim24, wherein the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes a fragrance orflavor changing reaction.
 29. The compartmentalized storage systemaccording to claim 24, wherein the first edible substance is an oilphase and the second edible substances is an aqueous phase.
 30. Thecompartmentalized storage system according to claim 24, wherein thefirst edible substance is milk and the second edible substances is drycereal. 31-34. (canceled)
 35. A method for using a compartmentalizedstorage system to temporarily store and subsequently mix at least twodifferent edible substances comprising the steps of: (A) providing acompartmentalized storage system for temporarily storing andsubsequently mixing at least two different edible substances comprising:(a) a first storing compartment having a front and a back, a pluralityof sides, defining a first cavity portion, and a tearable seal, whereina first edible substance is stored in the first storing compartment; and(b) a second storing compartment having a front and a back and aplurality of sides, defining a second cavity portion, wherein a secondedible substance is stored in the second storing compartment; whereinthe first and the second compartments are attached to each other by atleast one common side, which common side comprises a frangible sealconnecting the first and the second compartments, wherein the tearableseal and the frangible seal are located adjacent to each other such thatpressure to open the tearable seal will break the frangible seal andthereby allow the second edible substance in the second storingcompartment to be mixed with the first edible substance in the firststoring compartment; (B) applying force to the frangible seal to breakthe seal and thereby allow the second edible substance in the secondstoring compartment to be mixed with the first edible substance in thefirst storing compartment; (C) applying force to the tearable seal tobreak the seal; and (D) removing the first edible substance mixed withthe second edible substance through the broken tearable seal in thefirst storing compartment.
 36. (canceled)
 37. The method according toclaim 35, wherein the first and second edible substances are bothliquid.
 38. The method according to claim 35, wherein the first ediblesubstance is solid and the second edible substance is liquid.
 39. Themethod according to claim 35, wherein the first edible substance isliquid or solid and the second edible substance is gaseous.
 40. Themethod according to claim 35, wherein the first and second ediblesubstances are substantially non-compatible.
 41. The method according toclaim 40, wherein the first and second edible substances aresubstantially non-compatible such that mixing the edible substancescauses an exothermic or endothermic reaction.
 42. The method accordingto claim 40, wherein the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes a foamingreaction.
 43. The method according to claim 40, wherein the first andsecond substances are substantially non-compatible such that mixing thesubstances causes a color changing reaction.
 44. The method according toclaim 40, wherein the first and second substances are substantiallynon-compatible such that mixing the substances causes a fragrance orflavor changing reaction.